Hi inangrimmett
I have had my Pro Connect for about ten and a half months now and have covered over 3000 miles on it.
At the time of purchase, I was a non-cyclist, and had the initial intention of using it for about 50% of my commuting to work. In reality, I have used it for over 90% of my journeys. I had no intention of using it for recreational cycling and I haven’t, I have used solely on roads and a very good tarmac cycle path.
The only modifications that I have made are the additions of a very bright LED front light and an LED rear light which can act like a rear fog light on a car in times of low visibility. I have also put on a Cateye mirror which has proved very useful, and changed the rear sprocket to an 18 tooth.
The issues that I have had since delivery are:
1) A faulty charger. 50 Cycles replaced this within 24 hours of reporting the fault without quibble.
2) A couple of issues with the battery apparently losing capacity. Again, 50 Cycles changed the batteries within 24 hours of reporting the problem. I think that it has now been established that the battery issues a few people have had were due to the battery meter calibration drifting, rather than a fundamental fault with the battery design. My present battery, after initially exhibiting the apparent capacity loss problems has now done about 2000 miles and there is no detectable reduction in range the battery delivers or capacity.
3) I have nearly worn out the rear wheel rim and have had some difficulty in obtaining replacement parts. This is a well documented bone of contention. The most important thing is that a cost effective solution now exists and it won’t be a problem in future.
The bike has worked flawlessly in everything that the English weather can throw at it, heat, cold, wet, ice, snow hail. Nothing seems to affect it. I have left the standard Marathon racer tyres on and haven’t suffered any punctures. I don’t know if I am just lucky or if the tyres have good puncture resistance.
The harshness of the ride came as a bit of a shock at first, but I am used to it now. I wouldn’t venture off tarmac unless I introduced some form of suspension though. My wife, who had a total knee replacement 2 years ago after a sporting accident, occasionally rides the bike off road whilst I follow her on my 1970s vintage Raleigh Record! She has no problem with the harshness of the ride, but she slows down if the going gets rough, whereas when I ride it for commuting, I just want to get to the other end as quickly as possible.
I have never used the high power setting. Initially having always used the standard setting, I have now progressively migrated to only using the low power mode and can easily get 50 miles out of the battery with my 18 tooth sprocket, but it does involve putting in effort. My commute is a 20 mile round trip and i arrive home with 2 out of 3 lights still on the charge level meter. The 18 tooth modification suits me, the bike and terrain I cycle very well. It will pull nicely up any hill that I have encountered, and has the legs to comfortably pedal to 30 mph plus on a steady downhill. On the flat with no head wind, 20 mph or there about is usual.
The bike has maintained its finish and looks very well. It doesn’t seem to have deteriorated at all since new.
In summary, the bike is pretty bomb proof and can be relied on to get you around with a very high level of reliability. The finish is excellent and it will maintain its good looks if you take care of it. The assistance provided by the Panasonic power unit when combined with the gearing of the 8 speed Nexus hub provides a nice riding experience. The whole package makes for a very viable commuting workhorse which can be used relentlessly, day-in day-out all year round.
